Colt Cobra?

[The Black Prince]

I saw this available at a near by store, and keep going back and forth on buying it. I'm questioning whether it is actually a Colt Cobra or not. The grips aren't an issue as I have some original grips, I'd be ok with it being a Smolt as well especially for the price.

 

[wcwhitey]

If it’s a Cobra it has an alloy frame and the Detective Special standard grip frame. If it’s smaller and alloy it’s an Agent. Gun looks right except no clue on the finish! You can tell if it’s either by weight, they are light around 13 oz.


Here is my Agent which would be identical other than the grip frame.

 

[The Black Prince]

Thank you for the information on this. I may just go grab it. That's nice example you posted as well.

 

[MikeJackmin]

Check the chambers to see that they are smooth and not pitted. Pitting in the chambers can cause serious extraction problems.

 

[wcwhitey]

Thanks! Also check to see if it’s .38 Special, the Cobra was made in .32 New Police aka .32 S&W Long also. Either way of the price is right and it’s tight why not!

 

[reddog81]

What’s going on with that cylinder? And it looks like there is a giant gap between the side plate and frame near the grips. Either the side plate isn’t screwed down or the side plate had the bejesus polished out of it.

 

[The Black Prince]

Thanks! Also check to see if it’s .38 Special, the Cobra was made in .32 New Police aka .32 S&W Long also. Either way of the price is right and it’s tight why not!

Being sold as 38 Special.

reddog81, ya that cylinder really has me wondering about this gun, as well as the barrel and ejector rod not having matching finish with the rest of the gun. I'm wondering if somebody had a bunch of parts in a bin and put this all together. As long as its actually what it's being sold as and isn't just a cool paper weight $400 doesn't seem like a bad deal to me.

 

[.455_Hunter]

That would get a hard pass from me.

 

[wcwhitey]

Being sold as 38 Special.

reddog81, ya that cylinder really has me wondering about this gun, as well as the barrel and ejector rod not having matching finish with the rest of the gun. I'm wondering if somebody had a bunch of parts in a bin and put this all together. As long as its actually what it's being sold as and isn't just a cool paper weight $400 doesn't seem like a bad deal to me.

The barrel and cylinder is steel, the frame is not. The frame won’t rust the steel parts will. If you look at it that way it makes sense.

They are hard guns to refinish, nobody will separate the barrel from frame for fear of cracking the alloy frame. I used Durablue and it came out okay. Mine had been painted from a rattle can prior.

How does it check out mechanically? $400 is steep! @.455_Hunter might be correct.

 

[GeoDudeFlorida]

If I recall right, cerracote was developed for just this kind of thing. Alloy aluminum and alloy steel in one piece. $400 may be steep but it’s the price and prices are always negotiable. Given the condition I’d offer $250, cash! and negotiate up to $300. Walk at 3 but do so nicely and with true regret at not being able to make a deal. If it’s still in the counter in two weeks, remind the seller of your cash! offer. Maybe it’s not as much work as the pictures suggest. The camera does add five pounds, right?

 

[The Black Prince]

Thank you guys, I definitely have a lot to think about with it.

 

[Mizar]

That gun did suffer a lot, just let it rest in peace... Not to mention, that you most definitely will have timing issues which, in this day and age, are hard and expensive to correct - very, very few gunsmiths know how to work on those old Colt actions. I'll pass on that deal.

 

[jct61765]

That is a parts gun.

 

[JT-AR-MG42]

"just a cool paper weight $400 doesn't seem like a bad deal to me."

Is it locking six for six?
IMO, a paper weight sums that gun up nicely. I believe one would
have a very hard time selling that gun to anyone for even 150.

It might be worth 40 dollars (in parts) if you are able to check the
condition of the internals (hand, bolt, and mainspring).
'Course it is your money, but if you really want a Colt you
should consider holding out for one that the Colt factory built.

Best of luck with your decision,

JT

 

[NIGHTLORD40K]

Pass.

 

[tightgroup tiger]

Someone tried to sell me that for 400 I would laugh in their face.

 

[usaral63]

Many, many years back a friend of mine salvaged one with an alloy frame that'd been tossed in a saltwater estuary.......................made the OP's photo look as factory new.............frame was eroded so badly that I thought it could never be restored.............told him so but he acquired the internals and new grips and got it talking again. Spray can refinish really doesn't do much for moon craters and in truth I remain amazed that it didn't fall apart when fired.............

 

[The Black Prince]

Thank you guys, sounds like this post has saved me some money. I'm lacking knowledge on these guns, but really like the old Colt revolvers. Will learn more before I jump on one though. Thank you guys.

 

[wcwhitey]

Thank you guys, sounds like this post has saved me some money. I'm lacking knowledge on these guns, but really like the old Colt revolvers. Will learn more before I jump on one though. Thank you guys.

Check this out https://www.thehighroad.org/index.p...r-checkout-10-year-anniversary-update.695644/

This and other good informative threads are posted at the top of the revolver section. Condition is always subjective finish wise but lockup isn’t. Good shooters can be had if you know how to check the mechanics of what your looking for. There are thousands of Detective Specials available and the prices cover the spectrum but there are decent guns to be had for that $400 you were willing to spend. It just takes some patience and knowledge. Like @GeoDudeFlorida negotiations are important. It’s just hard to deal with some sellers that think every Colt is a gold nugget! They are great, some are very valuable while some shooter grade guns can still be had reasonably. But not every snake gun is priceless. Mechanical condition is important as good Colt Gunsmiths are rare and expensive. A good solid gun that might have some cosmetic issues can be dealt with and refinished. Alloy frames old guns can be refinished but it harder and more expensive than sending a steel gun out for a re-blue. Good luck!

 

[CajunBass]

I'm sort of a sucker for an old, ratty looking revolver, but I'm pretty sure I'd pass on that one.

 

[Tallball]

What WCW said. I have "rescued" several old revolvers like that. If it doesn't lock up and function properly, walk away.

If a nice old revolver does lock up and function properly, in my experience it will be a good shooter. It's worth whatever you're willing to pay for a handgun that shoots good and is butt ugly.

This old police turn-in looks terrible and I bargained a low price for it. The seller and I both knew it was not worth much due to the extremely worn finish. But it locks up tight and has an excellent trigger.

Smith And Wesson Model 10 Snub

• Tallball
• Apr 20, 2020

 

[armoredman]

Tallball, I'd carry that fine old snub.